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September 19, 2020 · Pik PIK-20D · N32C

Union, IL

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 19, 2020
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Union, IL
Aircraft
Pik PIK-20D (1978)
Tail Number
N32C
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN20CA406

The pilot reported that while taking off behind the towplane, the glider drifted to the left and impacted the left wing of another glider that was parked on the ground close to the runway and positioned such that its left wing was about 7 ft in the air. The pilot lost control of the glider and the glider subsequently impacted the ground coming to rest inverted. The glider sustained substantial damage to the left wing, aft fuselage, and empennage. The parked glider sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the glider was taking off on runway 09 with wind 110o at 7 knots, gusting to 12 knots. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if they had waited until the other glider had been moved away from the runway before beginning the takeoff.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff that resulted in a collision with another glider that was parked close to the departure runway, and the pilot’s improper decision to attempt a takeoff without ensuring he had safe clearance from the parked glider.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that while taking off behind the towplane, the glider drifted to the left and impacted the left wing of another glider that was parked on the ground close to the runway and positioned such that its left wing was about 7 ft in the air. The pilot lost control of the glider and the glider subsequently impacted the ground coming to rest inverted. The glider sustained substantial damage to the left wing, aft fuselage, and empennage. The parked glider sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the glider was taking off on runway 09 with wind 110o at 7 knots, gusting to 12 knots. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if they had waited until the other glider had been moved away from the runway before beginning the takeoff.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:27 CDT
Nearest AirportSky Soaring Airport (0nm)
Runway9
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPik PIK-20D
Tail NumberN32C
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 83 · None · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 39 C
Altimeter30.39 inHg
Observation Time12:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data